Stretching Leather Chaps?

[CharlieGal]

Hi,

I just got some new leather chaps that cannot be returned. They are really lovely but a tiny bit on the tight side. How can I stretch them? Can I get a chemical to do this?

 

[BackRidingAgain]

I'd be tempted to liberally plaster them up with a bit of neatsfoot oil and then whatever you normally clean your tack with. I suspect 'use' will be the most efficient stretch agent though.

 

[cptrayes]

White spirit will do it if you soak them in it and then stretch them (stuff them tight with something??)

I used to have some stuff called Woly Stretch, I don't know if that's still available.

 

[cptrayes]

Did you buy them online from a business seller? If so, you have an absolute right to return them for a full refund including your postage even if the seller said that you can't in their listing. This is the Distance Selling Directive.

 

[MerrySherryRider]

Hold over a steaming kettle or pan for 10-15 secs and then stretch over the back of a chair. Do a section at a time but checking for fit in between.
Old cobbler taught me how to make boots fit by this method.

 

[CharlieGal]

Did you buy them online from a business seller? If so, you have an absolute right to return them for a full refund including your postage even if the seller said that you can't in their listing. This is the Distance Selling Directive.

It was from a closing down sale:/

 

[cremedemonthe]

You need to what we call in the trade "block them to shape" to fit, it's the same technique as for when you make a saddle and block the seat to shape.
Wearing them alot will naturally block them but will take a while but is the least damaging way to do it

 

[MissTyc]

I posted about this a few days ago ... have ended up stuffing them with a kitchen roll each! Keeping them like that for a while ... and hoping!

 

[BackRidingAgain]

I expect you will get them to stretch in some way, when you do I hope you enjoy using them. On account of being forced into half chaps as I couldn't get boots to fit I have been using them for the first time in 40 years of riding. I have been more impressed than I expected to be with the fit, look and usability of them.